Namibia

Swakopmund

After days of sand, gravel and empty roads, the Atlantic Ocean suddenly appears. In Swakopmund you park the 4x4, walk to the beach and have restaurants, shops and supermarkets within reach again.

View trips from the region

Discover everything about this location.

Where the desert briefly gives way to the coast.

Swakopmund lies at the mouth of the Swakop River. Namibia’s German colonial history is still visible here in various buildings in the streets.

During a self-drive Namibia, the coastal town forms a clear contrast with the remote areas along the way. You can walk through the streets, browse the shops or simply get some fresh air on the beach.

Practically too, Swakopmund often comes at the right moment. There are several large supermarkets, so you can top up supplies here before the route continues.

Sea ahead of you. Dunes behind you.

From Swakopmund you can head in different directions. Visit the seal colony at Cape Cross or head into the dunes to go sandboarding or quad biking.

From above the landscape looks different again. Scenic flights over the Namib are organised from Swakopmund.

The Welwitschia Plains Scenic Drive also starts from this area. Along the way it is all about the striking Welwitschia plants that grow in this dry landscape.

If you prefer to stay closer to the coast, you can head towards Walvis Bay, go sea kayaking or visit the National Marine Aquarium of Namibia.

View trips from the region

Plenty of reasons to park the 4x4 for a while.

  • Walk through Swakopmund and look at the buildings from the colonial period.
  • Get some fresh air on the Atlantic coast.
  • Top up your supplies at one of the large supermarkets.
  • Visit the seal colony at Cape Cross.
  • Go sandboarding or quad biking in the dunes.
  • See the Namib on a scenic flight.
  • Drive the Welwitschia Plains Scenic Drive.
  • Go sea kayaking or include Walvis Bay during your stay.
  • Visit the National Marine Aquarium of Namibia.

Self-drive trips in the region

Namibia
Namibië Self Drive 14 Dagen - Lodge only
14
days
from
1240
1240
p.p.
Red sand dunes stretching as far as the eye can see. Rugged rock formations rising from the desert. And elephants gathering to drink at a waterhole in Etosha. On this self-drive journey, you discover just how varied Namibia can be. You travel along endless gravel roads in your 4x4, explore rugged Damaraland and spend three days on self-drive safaris. And after a day of adventure? A comfortable bed awaits at your lodge or B&B. It's a chance to experience Namibia up close, without having to camp.
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Namibia
Botswana
Zimbabwe
Namibia, Botswana and Victoria Falls self drive
19
days
from
1990
1990
p.p.
The sun rises over the dunes of Sossusvlei. An elephant appears at a waterhole in Etosha. And further along, the lush landscapes of the Okavango and Chobe await. Over these nineteen days, you travel through three countries, with the freedom to make your own choices along the way. You camp in remarkable places, swap gravel roads for 4x4 tracks and finish with two nights at Victoria Falls. The final stretch? You can leave the driving to someone else.
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Namibia
Botswana
Zimbabwe
Windhoek - Victoria Falls self-drive
19
days
from
1990
1990
p.p.
A lion beside the track. An elephant slowly crossing your path. And at night, the sounds of the bush, right beside your rooftop tent. On this self-drive journey, you travel from Namibia's desert landscapes to Botswana's national parks, where the adventure takes on a new dimension. For four days, you venture deep into the wilderness, tackling rugged sandy tracks and staying at unfenced campsites. Your journey ends at Victoria Falls. You return your 4x4 in Kasane and leave the final stretch to someone else.
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